How to Write your Wedding Vows
A couple reading their vows to one another is one of our most cherished moments to witness and to photograph at a wedding: it’s intimate, authentic, and so deeply moving!
But we’ve heard from a lot of people that they feel pressure or stress when it’s time to write their vows. We get it: you’re making a commitment for life to the person you love, in front of many people!
But with these simple, effective tips for writing your vows and reading them confidently, you might find it’s your favourite part of the whole process.
Make real, honest promises.
Your vows aren’t just sweet nothings or a cute love note. It’s right in the name: you’re making a vow, a promise, to your partner and to the future of your union. State your intentions for how you’ll show up in your marriage, through both the easeful and challenging times.
Share personal stories that illuminate who you both are.
Your vows are a beautiful opportunity to let your guests get to better know your relationship, and the two wonderful people in it. Tell one or two cute, funny, or romantic stories that lift the veil and let your loved ones see what your lovely partnership is actually like.
Strike a balance between sentimentality and levity.
Ideally, your vows will have some solemn moments of reflection, along with plenty of laughter and delight — just like your marriage itself. Let the more serious notes come straight from your heart, rather than forcing them. And no need to pressure yourself to be funny: just share authentic, quirky stories and your audience will be in stitches.
Pare it down so just the juiciest bits are left.
You won’t want to keep everything that poured out on your first draft — otherwise you might dilute the most precious and meaningful moments in your vows. Keep your words succinct and deliberate, and each word will carry so much more weight.
Start early, and don’t rush.
Take your time writing your vows, instead of saving it until the last minute. If you aren’t sure what to say or where to start, we promise that when you practice sitting down in a comfortable spot, with a nice glass of wine and nowhere to be, it will all start pouring out. You’ll have fewer jitters on the big day knowing you’re intentionally saying what you mean.
Practice reading it out loud, often.
Give your vows plenty of read-throughs, out loud, to both yourself, and a trusted friend — more times than you feel is necessary. Get in the habit of reading slowly, and taking lots of pauses. This will allow your spouse and your guests to really take in and digest what you’re sharing so beautifully.
Write or print a fresh copy of your vows
When your moment comes, you might not want to be reading off the old, crumped, wine-and-tear-stained piece of paper you’ve been practicing with. The crisp new version will look so much fresher and more elegant in your photos!
Don’t share a peep with your partner!
Let your vows be a secret until you reveal them to each other in the ceremony. The surprise, delight, and reverence people feel while hearing their partner’s vows for the first time makes for a candid and emotional — one that we love to photograph.
Ultimately, all you have to do in order to create vows that are moving and memorable is to speak honestly from your heart. Follow the advice from any of the tips here that resonate with you, and then just let your love flow into words. You’re going to be amazing.
If you’re interested in working with one of our talented photographers for your Whistler wedding, please get in touch with us right here.
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